Hertz and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Partner on Electric Vehicles


SOURCE: The Hertz Corporation

Partnership Accelerates the Buildout of the EV Network and Delivers the Future of Mobility to Consumers Today

PARK RIDGE, NJ–(Marketwire – December 6, 2010) – The Hertz Corporation (NYSE: HTZ), the world’s largest general use airport car rental brand, and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announced today a joint partnership to bring in Hertz Global EV, a program developed by Hertz using 100% electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, to key Starwood select-service hotels in North America. Starwood’s select-service portfolio includes the Element Hotels, Aloft Hotels and Four Points by Sheraton Hotels brands.

“Hertz’s partnership with Starwood is a natural step in the development of our Global EV program,” said Mark P. Frissora, Hertz Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “As we expand our EV network, we are providing drivers with point-to-point access to EVs and EV charging stations. Our relationship with Starwood provides guests from all over the world with access to the future of mobility.”

 “This partnership is a perfect complement to Starwood’s own environmental sustainability initiatives,” said Brian McGuinness, Senior Vice President of Specialty Select Brands for Starwood. “The new technologies that, through Hertz EV, we are able to make available to our guests, demonstrate a joint commitment to making driving electric vehicles practical. And, just as significantly, helps raise everyone’s awareness of the importance of clean energy.”

Hertz Global EV is championing an electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle mobility ecosystem, incorporating transportation options and a charging station grid for ease of use. Hertz Global EV will be the first company to provide a range of all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles and charging stations on a car sharing and rental basis at global scale. 

Hertz is uniquely positioned to introduce multiple groups of consumers — urban drivers, university students, travelers and corporations — to all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. As part of its Global EV strategy, Hertz is forming partnerships with auto manufacturers, charging station providers, municipalities, NGOs, hospitality chains and other stakeholders.

For more information on Hertz Global EV, visit www.hertzev.com. For more information on Starwood, visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

About Hertz
Hertz is the largest worldwide airport general use car rental brand operating from more than 8,500 locations in 146 countries worldwide. Hertz is the number one airport car rental brand in the U.S. and at 81 major airports in Europe, operating both corporate and licensee locations in cities and airports in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. In addition, the Company has licensee locations in cities and airports in Africa and the Middle East. Product and service initiatives such as Hertz #1 Club Gold®, NeverLost® customized, in-car GPS system, SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio, and unique cars and SUVs offered through the Company’s Prestige, Fun and Green Collections, set Hertz apart from the competition. The Company also operates the Advantage car rental brand at 26 airports in the U.S. and the global car sharing club, Connect by Hertz, in New York City, Berlin, London, Madrid and Paris. And, Hertz operates one of the world’s largest equipment rental businesses, Hertz Equipment Rental Corporation, offering a diverse line of equipment, including tools and supplies, and new and used equipment for sale, to customers ranging from major industrial companies to local contractors and consumers from approximately 325 branches in the United States, Canada, China, France, Spain and Italy.

To make car rental reservations or for more information, customers can call their travel agent, or call Hertz toll-free at 1-800-654-3131. Information and reservations are also available on the web at www.hertz.com. For information on Hertz Equipment Rental, visit the company on the web at www.hertzequip.com.

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with 1,025 properties in 100 countries and approximately 145,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood® Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels and resorts with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, Sheraton®, Westin®, Four Points® by Sheraton, W®, Le Méridien®, and the recently launched Aloft® and Element(SM). Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.starwoodhotels.com.

Starwood embraces environmental stewardship and is committed to integrating leading sustainability practices and principles into its core business strategy. Starwood itself made history when it launched Element Hotels, Starwood’s green trailblazer and the first major hotel brand to mandate that all properties pursue the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for high-performance buildings. Across its entire portfolio, Starwood is rolling out initiatives that aim to conserve energy and water, reduce waste and enhance indoor environmental quality for Starwood guests and associates alike.

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